Bulgaria, Varna - Odessos, Thrace Roman Baths288 viewsOdessus, Thrace, first included into the Roman Praefectura orae maritimae and then in 15 CE annexed to the province of Moesia (later Moesia Inferior), covered 47 hectares in present-day central Varna and had prominent public baths, Thermae, erected in the late 2nd century AD, now the largest Roman remains in Bulgaria (the building was 100 m (328.08 ft) wide, 70 m (229.66 ft) long, and 25 m (82.02 ft) high) and fourth-largest known Roman baths in Europe. Joe Sermarini

China, Great Wall978 viewsIt's a wall and its great, what more do I need to say :) - Bolayi1 commentsBolayi

China, Great Wall855 viewsMutianyu Great Wall located in Huairou County, Beijing. Built on older pre-existing walls during the Ming Dynasty.Bolayi

Croatia, Pula - Chapel of St. Maria Formosa341 viewsThree naived basilica from the 6th century ADLegatus

Croatia, Pula - Temple of Augustus302 viewsDedicated to Augustus, the first Roman emperor.Legatus

Croatia, Pula - Temple of Augustus278 viewsDedicated to Augustus, the first Roman emperor, this temple is exquisitely harmonious. With the spread of Christianity, the temple became a church and then a granary! Now it hosts a collection of Roman sculptureLegatus

Croatia, Pula - Triumphal Arch of Sergius212 viewsTriumphal Arch of Sergius was built in 27BC to commemorate the Sergius family who were a powerful clan at the time. Now it forms an impressive entranceway to Pula's old town.Legatus

Croatia, Split - Diocletian's palace, basement321 viewsRomans who escaped from near Salona in 7th century reocupied Diocletian's palace. They lived in higher floors above basement. These rooms was gradually filled by garbage through holes in ceiling so basment remained preserved until these days. Johny SYSEL

Croatia, Split - Diocletian's palace, basement280 viewsRomans who escaped from near Salona in 7th century reocupied Diocletian's palace. They lived in higher floors above basement. These rooms was gradually filled by garbage through holes in ceiling so basment remained preserved until these days. Johny SYSEL

Egypt, Babylon271 viewsThis elegant red and white banded brickwork is about all that remains on the surface to mark the Roman fortress of ‘Babylon in Egypt’. The Roman structure was started during the reign of Trajan on the site of an earlier Egyptian stronghold which marked the border between Lower and Middle Egypt. The fortress remained an important strategic outpost down through Byzantine times. In the fifth century the Legio XIII Gemina was stationed here. During the Arab conquest of Egypt in 640/1, Babylon endured a seven month siege before its capture.

These days most of the extensive Babylon complex lies buried under the streets of the Christian quarter of Old Cairo. The nearby medieval Coptic Orthodox Church of the Virgin Mary is popularly known as the ‘Hanging Church’ because its nave was built suspended over two towers of the Roman fort. 1 commentsAbu Galyon

Egypt, Cairo - Nilometer274 viewsThis octagonal pillar is the only surviving Nilometer in Cairo, tucked away in a kiosk on the island of Roda, in the middle of the Nile. When in use, the height of water in the pit measured the annual flooding of the river. In an ideal year the water would rise to the 16th of the marked divisions (each one cubit, approximately 52cm) decorating the column.

The Nilometer is an attribute of the titular river god, Nilus (equivalent to the Egyptian deity, Hapy), and often features on coin reverses depicting Nilus.

The surrounding structure is itself of architectural significance and dates to 861 CE. Which means those pointed arches set into the walls predate the European Gothic style by around 250 years – they could be the earliest pointed arches anywhere in the world. 1 commentsAbu Galyon

England, Colchester, Balkerne Gate245 viewsBalkerne Gate, Colchester. The largest Roman arch in Britain. Colchester and its wall were rebuilt by the Romans after Queen Boudica led a rebellion in AD 60 and detroyed the town. Image source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CamulodunumJoe Sermarini

England, County of Kent, Dover: Roman Lighthouse74 viewsA visit to Dover on 20 March 2016, the Roman Lighthouse still stands within Dover Castle, which is still an important port of Britain by the English Channel. The upper 1/3 is a mix of Medieval (when it was used as a Bell Tower) and 19th century restoration (when the Church of Saint Mary, next to it, was also restored). The Lighthouse stands on the "eastern heights". There was another on the "western heights", they both guarded the entrance into the Roman harbour of Dubris (Dover) which was also an important base for the "Classis Britannica".Masis

England, Roman Baths, Bath (1)145 viewsThese celebrated Roman Baths were unknown until, in 1880, sewer workers uncovered the first glimpse of Roman structures under the Georgian Spa. This led to the discovery of the Roman Baths and their treasures.

The walls, columns and parapet that surround the Great Bath today were built in the Victorian period, and the "Roman" statues that gaze down upon the pool from the upper walkway are also Victorian.

This photograph was taken in the 19th century not long after the Baths were discovered and before the Victorian structures we see today were built.*Alex

England, Roman Baths, Bath (2)130 viewsThis is a Photochrome print of the Roman Baths, Bath, England taken sometime between 1895 and 1905.
It shows the new Victorian embellishments added to the Baths since their discovery in the 1880's and which, for the most part, are the works that visitors to the site see today.
The familiar green hue of the pool seen by modern visitors is caused by algae, resulting from the water's exposure to the open air. In Roman times the pool was roofed over and its waters, while perhaps not crystal clear, would almost certainly not have been green.

France, Ambrussum, Gallia Narbonensis - Bridge over Vidourle river.691 viewsUsed to have eleven arches and still used untill the middle ages. From this bridge the via Domitia goes upwards to the settlement1 commentsBohemond

France, Nemausus - Amphitheatre217 viewsThe Roman amphitheatre of the Colonia Nemausus still stands. On the top, holed stones for holding the velum can be seen. The "Arènes" are still in use today, mainly for bull fights as the more modern statue in front shows. Syltorian

France, Nemausus - Bollard263 viewsNîmes was founded by Augustus, with veterans from his Egyptian campaigns. The coin-type with the crocodile chained to a palm is famous, and still used by Nîmes as its coat of arms today. Here it appears on one of the (modern) bollards set up around the ancient amphitheatre.1 commentsSyltorian

France, Nemausus - Crocodile Fountain222 viewsThis fountain is not ancient, but represents the famous coin-type of the ancient city of Nemausus, showing a crocodile chained to a palm-tree. Syltorian

France, Nemausus - Relief on the Amphitheatre257 viewsThis relief is found above one of the arches of the ancient amphitheatre of Nemausus. It's rather worn, but two gladiators can still be seen. Syltorian

France, Nemausus - Tour Magne201 viewsPart of the city walls of Nemausus, this is a massive Roman watch-tower with an octagonal base and a round top, it's 32 meters high now, and had another 4 meters in ancient times. Syltorian

France, Nimes - Jardins de la Fontaine161 viewsDecorated with vases and statues, the Jardins de la Fontaine count as one of the major public gardens in Europe. They were laid out in the eighteenth century on the site of the ancient spring, an area that includes the Tour Magne and the Temple of Diana.vacationchick

France, Nimes - Jardins de la Fontaine157 viewsDecorated with vases and statues, the Jardins de la Fontaine count as one of the major public gardens in Europe. They were laid out in the eighteenth century on the site of the ancient spring, an area that includes the Tour Magne and the Temple of Diana.vacationchick

France, Nimes - Jardins de la Fontaine143 viewsDecorated with vases and statues, the Jardins de la Fontaine count as one of the major public gardens in Europe. They were laid out in the eighteenth century on the site of the ancient spring, an area that includes the Tour Magne and the Temple of Diana.vacationchick

France, Nimes - The Castellum159 viewsThis is the end point for the aquaduct that crossed the Pont du Gard. From here water was distributed to public fountains, monuments and different areas of the city via lead pipes.vacationchick

France, Orange - Triumphal Arch231 viewsIt was built on the former via Agrippa to honor the veterans of the Gallic Wars and Legio II Augusta. It was later reconstructed by emperor Tiberius to celebrate the victories of Germanicus over the German tribes in Rhineland.pax

France, Paris, Arena of Lutetia52 viewsThe Roman Arena that was discovered by Théodore Vaquer during the building of Rue Monge, in the 5th arrondissement, between 1860–1869. It was first built in the 1st century AD. Victor Hugo created a preservation committee called "la Société des Amis des Arènes" to preserve it. However in the photo, taken by me in May 2014, can be seen the line of apartments on Rue Monge that cover the remaining third of the Arena.Masis

France, Paris, Roman Baths43 viewsThe Roman Baths of Cluny, Paris. Dated to the 3rd century AD, thought to have been paid for by the guild of "Lutetian Boatmen". The complex is now incorporated into the National Museum of the Middle Ages. Photo taken by me in May 2014.Masis

Germany, Berlin, The propylon of the Sanctuary of Athena Nikephoros from the Pergamon Acropolis, Pergamon Museum Berlin105 viewsThe monumental gateway, which stood at the northeast corner of the sanctuary, was built by Eumenes II in the early 2nd century BC. The two-storey building, had a porch of four Doric columns (tetrastyle) on the ground floor, above which was a dedicatory inscription by Eumenes to Athena Nikephoros. The upper storey was a balcony with four Ionic columns and fronted by a military frieze depicting armour and weapons. The Sanctuary of Athena Nikephoros, on the southwest corner of the walled citadel on the Acropolis, was one of Pergamon's oldest religious centres, used for the worship of Athena and Nike. The cult of Athena at Pergamon had associations with the city's mythical founder Telephos, the son of Herakles and Auge, who was a priestess of Athena. The Attalid rulers of Pergamon claimed to be descendants of Telephos, and thus of Herakles and Auge.Joe Sermarini

Germany, Trier - Basilika485 viewsThe so-called Basilika, Constantine's throne room, is the largest surviving single-room structure from Roman times. The Romans wanted the architecture to express the magnificence and might of the emperor.
It is used as a church now.W. Kutschenko

Germany, Trier - Imperial baths415 viewsGoing to the baths was an important part of Roman life: Over 1600 years ago, the Romans built one of the grandest and most impressive baths in the world: the Imperial Baths. W. Kutschenko

Germany, Trier - Porta Nigra477 viewsThe gate dates back to a time (about A.D. 180) when the Romans often erected public buildings of huge stone blocks (here, the biggest weigh up to six metric tons).W. Kutschenko

Germany, Trier - Porta Nigra432 viewsthe other side of the gateW. Kutschenko

Greece, Amphipolis, Lion of Amphipolis - Via Egnatia, west side of the Strymonas river45 viewsAmphipolis is best known for being a magnificent ancient Greek polis (city), and later a Roman city, whose impressive remains can still be seen. It is famous in history for events such as the battle between the Spartans and Athenians in 422 B.C., and also as the place where Alexander the Great prepared for campaigns leading to his invasion of Asia. Alexander's three finest admirals, Nearchus, Androsthenes and Laomedon, resided in this city and it is also the place where, after Alexander's death, his wife Roxane and their small son Alexander IV were exiled and later murdered. Excavations in and around the city have revealed important buildings, ancient walls and tombs. The finds are displayed at the archaeological museum of Amphipolis. At the nearby vast Kasta burial mound, an important ancient Macedonian tomb has recently been revealed. The unique and beautiful "Lion of Amphipolis" monument nearby is a popular destination for visitors.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/70/Loewe_von_Amphipolis.jpg
Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International
Date 16 June 2018
Author Neptuul Joe Sermarini

Greece, Amphipolis: The Lion of Amphipolis159 viewsThe first pieces of this rather grand monument were discovered near the banks of the River Strymon in 1912 by Greek soldiers during the Second Balkan War. Further finds were made in 1916 and in 1930-32 during the creation of Lake Kerkini. The Lion was restored (and partly reconstructed) in 1937.

The sculpted Lion itself is 5.3m tall, on its base it stands over 8m high. It is plausibly dated to the late 4th century BCE. Recent work on the Kasta Tomb, which is about 4km distant, has revealed further fragments also apparently belonging to the Lion and it may be the case that the Lion originally surmounted that tomb and was only later moved to its present location.

Nobody knows what or who the monument commemorates; perhaps ongoing work on the Kasta Tomb will illuminate matters. A quite similar, somewhat smaller, statue, the “The Lion of Chaeronea”, honours the Sacred Band of Thebes, which was wiped out at the battle of Chaeronea in 338 BCE. But while several ancient sources (including Pausanias and Strabo) mention the Chaeronea lion and the circumstances of its construction, there is no ancient record of the Amphipolis lion. 1 commentsAbu Galyon

Greece, Athens - The Gate of Schliemann's House - Athens216 viewsNot exactly an ancient site but as the home of the Greek Numismatic Museum it houses one of the great collections of ancient coins .... a must see on any visit to Athens.

This is photo is of one of the wrought iron gates of Schliemann’s Athenian mansion constructed in 1878/9. The swastika motif derives from his Trojan excavations and borders a design of winged sphinxes and acanthus leaves capped by an owl with spread wings.Lloyd T

Greece, Athens, The Acropolis from the Pnyx.185 viewsThe Pnyx, the home of democracy is the sloping area in the foreground, while the Acropolis dominates the background. Here assembled the Athenian citizen body to hear the great Athenian masters of rhetoric and to cast their votes on the most momentous decisions in the history of ancient Athens. The speaker's platform cut from the rear bedrock face of the Pnyx is to be seen in the centre right. As seen here the remains of the Pynx date from its third and final phase of development in the mid-fourth century BC when it was greatly expanded to accommodate the growing citizen body.Lloyd

Greece, Athens, The Approach to the Pynx from the Agora219 viewsThe home of democracy, the Pnyx was rebuilt and expanded in the 3rd quarter of the 4th century B.C., probably around 345-335 B.C. A massive, curved, retaining wall was built, as seen in this image. The steps of the old walkway from the Agora are visible and overbuilt by the retaining wall. Great Athenians such as Themistocles, Pericles and Socrates would have walked this path and steps in the heady days of the zenith Athenian democracy. 1 commentsLloyd

Greece, Athens, The Pnyx - outer stone retaining wall.215 viewsThe home of democracy, the Pnyx was rebuilt and expanded in the 3rd quarter of the 4th century B.C., probably around 345-335 B.C. A massive, curved, retaining wall was built, as seen in this image. The steps of the old walkway from the Agora are visible and overbuilt by the retaining wall. Great Athenians such as Themistocles, Pericles and Socrates wolud have walked ths path and steps in the heady days of the zenith Athenian democracy. 1 commentsLloyd

Greece, Bassae - Temple of Apollo Epikuros386 viewsbuilt 450 - 400 BC
designed by Iktinos - architect of the Temple of Hephaestus and the Parthenon
!!! There is the earliest example of Corinthian capital. Corinthian capital is in interior, exterior is built in Doric style.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BassaeJohny SYSEL

Greece, Cape Sounion - The Temple of Poseidon276 viewsAccording to legend, Cape Sounion is the spot where Aegeus, king of Athens, leapt to his death off the cliff, thus giving his name to the Aegean Sea.1 commentsLloyd T

Greece, Corinth - temlpe of Apollo - Acrocorinth in the background301 viewsCorinth was completely destroyed by Romans in 146 BC - except this temple. Romans built new Corinth 100 years later.Johny SYSEL

Greece, Corinth – the Bema43 viewsThe bema of Corinth is a prominent raised platform in the south-central part of the ancient agora. The bema is the traditional civic location where public orations (political or ceremonial) would have been given and where legal cases were brought for trial. In Acts 18:12 the βημα is given as the place where Paul the apostle is accused before Gallio, the proconsul of Achaea (Lucius Junius Gallio Annaeanus). Gallio, however, declines to become involved in what he regards as a purely Jewish dispute.

The hill in the background is, of course, the city’s acropolis, the Acrocorinth. Abu Galyon

Greece, Delos - from the summit of Mt Kinthos243 viewsAt its peak in the second century BC up to 10,000 slaves per day were trafficked through the slave market at Delos which was focused on the commercial port area to the left of center in the middle distance of this image.Lloyd T

Greece, Delos - Grotto of Hercules234 viewsTo be found at the foot of the approach of Mt Kinthos.Lloyd T

Greece, Delos - household well214 viewsWater supply was a problem on the dry island of Delos. The solution was found in a mix of cisterns and wells. Cisterns retained the water from the sparse winter rains, while small wells are to be found frequently in residences as illustrated by this example.Lloyd T

Greece, Delos - On the Ascent to the Summit of Mt Kinthos195 viewsThis sort of material is to be found everywhere on the site of ancient Delos.Lloyd T

Greece, Delos - Temple of Issis228 viewsThe Cycladic island of Delos was revered in antiquity as the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. During the early Classical era it was a sacred religious precinct dedicated to the worship of these gods. In the late fifth century BC, at the peak of its role as a religious sanctuary, neither birth nor death was permitted to occur on the island. However, commercial imperatives were soon to over ride this religious taboo. Delos occupied a central position with respect to the trade routes of the Mediterranean, so that by the late 3rd century BC commercial activity overtook its role as a religious sanctuary. The sacred character of the island dissipated, displaced by a cosmopolitan trading centre. By the 2nd century BC it had evolved to become the centre of the Mediterranean slave trade. Strabo recorded that up to 10,000 people per day were trafficked through its slave market. This role continued into the early Roman era, until in 88 BC Mithradates VI, King of Pontus, decimated the population in an attack on the island. In 69 BC the pirates of Athenodoros destroyed what remained of the commercial centre of Delos and it fell into decline, to be effectively abandoned by the 6th century AD.Lloyd T

Greece, Delos - Wall in the Maritime Quarter270 viewsRemnant plasterwork and painting illustrates how the coarse stone walls were finished in the residential area that is the Maritime Quarter.1 commentsLloyd T

Greece, Delos water cistern227 viewsWater supply was a problem on the dry island of Delos. The solution was found in a mix of cisterns and wells. Cisterns retained the water from the sparse winter rains, while small wells are to be found frequently in residences.Lloyd T

Greece, Delphi - Profile of the Charioteer of Delphi291 viewsDating from the early fifth century BC, this is one of the most hauntingly beautiful works of art. It still speaks after 2,500 years.2 commentsLloyd T

Greece, Delphi - The Charioteer of Delphi188 viewsThe life-size statue of a chariot driver was found in 1896 at the Sanctuary of Apollo in Delphi. It is now in the Delphi Archaeological Museum.

The statue was erected at Delphi in 474 BC, to commemorate the victory of a chariot team in the Pythian Games, which were held at Delphi every four years in honor of Pythean Apollo.Lloyd T

Greece, Delphi - The Head of the Charioteer of Delphi219 viewsThe life-size statue of a chariot driver was found in 1896 at the Sanctuary of Apollo in Delphi. It is now in the Delphi Archaeological Museum.

The statue was erected at Delphi in 474 BC, to commemorate the victory of a chariot team in the Pythian Games, which were held at Delphi every four years in honor of Pythean Apollo.Lloyd T

Greece, Delphi - The Stadium at Delphi205 viewsLooking from the marker at the farthest end from the starting line.Lloyd T

Kassope or Cassope was an ancient Greek city in Epirus. Kassope occupies a magnificent and remote site on a high platform overlooking the sea, the Ambracian Gulf and the fertile lands to the south, and with the slopes of the Zalongo mountain to the north. It is considered one of the best remaining examples of a city built on a rectilinear street grid of a Hippodamian plan in Greece. The first settlements on the site are from the Paleolithic. However the city of Kassope was founded in the middle of the 4th century B.C. as the capital of the Kassopaeans, a sub-tribe of the Thesprotians. It belonged to the Aetolian League. Cassope or Cassopia is mentioned in the war carried on by Cassander against Alcetas II of Epirus, in 312 B.C. The city flourished in the 3rd century BC, when large public buildings were built. Kassope also minted its own coins. It was destroyed by Roman forces in 168-167 B.C. Kassope was abandoned in 31 B.C. when the remaining inhabitants resettled to Nikopolis the region’s new capital. The visible remains include the Cyclopean walls, an agora, a theater, the prytaneion. Joe Sermarini

Greece, Kos - agora229 viewsKos is place where Hippocrates (father of medicine) was born.Johny SYSEL

Greece, Kos - Asclepieion246 viewsparts of column, temple in the back ground.
Kos is place where Hippocrates (father of medicine) was born.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asclepieion1 commentsJohny SYSEL

Greece, Lavreotiki, Thorikos13 viewsThe washery, Thorikos
Level washery for concentrating lead ore. Situated next to the Ancient Theatre of Thorikos. Restored by the Belgian School of Athens.Grant H

Greece, Lavreotiki, Thorikos11 viewsAthenian silver mine.
Due to its proximity to the mines of Lavrion, Thorikos was the mining centre of the Lavreotika region. The site was inhabited from the Neolithic age (ca. 4500 BC) until the 1st century BC. The silver from here set the foundations of the city-state of Athens, making it possible to mint the city's famous silver “Owl” coin.Grant H

Greece, Lavreotiki, Thorikos21 viewsTheatre of Thorikos
Unique due to its shape which comprises an elongated layout with an oval orchestra, the theatre was built in the late 6th century BC and it is the earliest found so far in Greece. The theatre was excavated by the American School of Classical Studies in 1886.Grant H

Greece, Mycenae - The Lion Gate330 viewsI waited a long time for this shot, the nanosecond when any one of the thousands of visitors swarming over the site wasn't visible in the frame. Sometimes you get lucky!2 commentsLloyd T

Greece, Olympia in Spring232 viewsA magical site at any time, but resplendent in Spring!1 commentsLloyd T

Greece, Philippi177 viewsPhilippi is site of famous battle. Marcus Antonius and Octavius defeated Brutus and Cassius.
Philippi is also the first place in Europe where St. Paul evangelized. He was kept in prison there too.Johny SYSEL

Greece, Rhodes141 viewssteps to the Acropolis of Lindos on RhodesFranz-Josef M

Greece, Thasos - theatre154 viewsphoto was taken in 2000
now theatre is reconstructed :-(Johny SYSEL

Greece, The acropolis at Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon, from across the harbor.47 viewsTaken September 29, 2016cmcdon0923

Greece, Thera - Akrotiri 140 viewsMinoan settelment was destroyed by the great Thera eruption around 1628 BC which caused the end of Neopalatial period on Crete. People managed to evacuate Thera before eruption unlike Pompeii but probably they were killed by tsunami on Crete coast.

Greece, Thera - Akrotiri 256 viewsMinoan settelment destroyed by the great Thera eruption around 1628 BC which caused the end of Neopalatial period on Crete. Thera could be mythical Atlantis.2 commentsJohny SYSEL

Iran, Pasargadae (Fars province)28 viewsPart of one of Kyros’ two royal palaces, the audience hall.
Sections of massive columns and a relief showing a bull being led by a guard. The 2 square covered structures in the center may have been put up later as protection for exposed column bases.1 commentsSchatz

Iran, Pasargadae (Fars province), a UNESCO World Heritage Site19 viewsA massive wall of the fortified terrace at Pasargadae called Throne of Solomon’s Mother
On a plain surrounded by gently rolling hills, about 25 mi north of Persepolis, king Kyros II (the Great) founded the first capital of the multinational Achaemenid empire in the middle of the 6th cent. BC. What is left of it are the remains of 2 royal palaces, a large fortified terrace, and the mausoleum of Kyros II (at the time of my visit heavily scaffolded and therefore unphotographed). After Kyros’ death the capital was used for a while by his successor Kambyses.Schatz

Iran, Bisitun18 viewsThe Parthian figures to the right of the Safavid plate are thought to represent king Gotarzes II (38 - 51 AD) on horseback after his victory over Meherdates, having his head adorned with a wreath or diadem by an angel. The head of another horseman’s head is visible on the left side.Schatz

Iran, Bisitun18 viewsAlong the path to the main attraction there are two badly preserved Parthian reliefs, most likely from the first cent. BC and the first cent. AD. They show king Mithradates II (ca. 123 - 90 BC) receiving a delegation of four dignitaries (to the left of the defacing 17. cent. AD Safavid plate). The inscription on top of the Mithradates’ relief is in Greek.Schatz

Iran, Bisitun22 viewsCloser view of the main relief showing King Dareios I with his defeated rivals. Unfortunately there were no camera drones when this picture was taken.Schatz

Iran, Bisitun (Behistun), Kermanshah Province19 viewsOn the road from Hamadan (ancient Ekbatana) to the city of Kermanshah halfway up Mount Bisitun a number of unique bas reliefs from about 520 BC catch the eye. The Achaemenid king Dareios I (522 - 486 BC) had the largest one chiseled into the face of the mountain to tell the world of his triumph over his rival Gaumata and nine other rebels. The sensational part of the relief are the extensive cuneiform inscriptions above, below, and to the sides of the figures. They are in Elamite, Babylonian, and Old Persian, the latter a language which was created on the king’s order since up to then there was no written Persian language. The creation is a mixture of Elamite, Babylonian, and Aramaic. It was not deciphered until the middle of the 18th cent. AD by a British officer, adventurer, and amateur archeologist Sir Henry Rawlinson.Schatz

Sorry, the Bisitun pics are in reverse order. The Herakles sculpture should be the first of the bunch.Schatz

Iran, Bisitun, Kermanshah Province21 viewsAt the entrance to the bas relief face of Mount Bisotun, some yards up, a sculpture of Herakles rests on a lion skin, cup in hand, club, bow and quiver behind him. It dates back to the year 148 BC.Schatz

Iran, Hamadan, the tomb of the biblical Esther and her cousin Mordechai47 viewsThe tomb in the photo, located in Hamadan, is believed by some to hold the remains of the biblical Esther and her cousin Mordechai.

Hamedan, Iran, is believed to be among the oldest cities in the world. Hamadan was established by the Medes and was the capital of the Median empire. It then became one of several capital cities of the Achaemenid Dynasty. Hamadan is mentioned in the biblical book of Ezra as the place where a scroll was found giving the Jews permission from King Darius to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. (Ezra 6:2). Its ancient name of Ecbatana is used in the Ezra text. Because it was a mile above sea level, it was a good place to preserve leather documents. Joe Sermarini

Iran, Naqsh-e-Rostam, Fars Province23 viewsOn a steep rock face just a few miles north of Persepolis lies the necropolis of the Achaemenid kings consisting of the tombs of Dareios I and three of his successors (the fourth tomb is around the corner). Some time after this picture was taken, the sandy hill in front of the rock was removed so that one could see the Sasanian rock reliefs between and below the tombs from a distance.Schatz

Iran, Naqsh-e-Rostam, Fars Province 28 viewsInvestiture of Ardashir I (226-242 AD) by Ahura Mazda. Under their horses’ hooves crushed enemies, in the case of Ardashir the last Parthian king Artabanos IV. The bilingual inscription (Middle Persian and Parthian) for the first time mentions the name ‘ērān’ (Iran).Schatz

Iran, Naqsh-e-Rostam, Fars Province15 viewsThe tomb of Dareios I (522-486 BC)is the only one identified with certainty from the head of the relief. The others are believed to be those of Xerxes I (486-465 BC), Artaxerxes I (465-424 BC), and Dareios II (423-404 BC).Schatz

Iran, Naqsh-e-Rostam, Fars Province18 viewsThe top of this tomb shows king Dareios I worshiping in front of a fire altar with Ahura Mazda’s symbol above.Schatz

Iran, Naqsh-e-Rostam, Fars Province27 viewsThe Sasanian king Shahpur I (241-272 AD) with his characteristic hairdo, the korymbos, in front of two prisoners, the supplicant Roman emperor Valerian and Philip the Arab after the battle of Edessa in 240 ADSchatz

Iran, Naqsh-e-Rostam, Fars Province26 viewsTwo-panel equestrian relief showing the exploits of Bahram II, most likely against a Roman on the upper part, on the lower panel perhaps against an Indo-Sasanian ruler.Schatz

Iran, The Anahita temple in Kangavar (Kermanshah)22 viewsor what is left of it. It dates back to Sasanian times (around 500 AD) and was dedicated to the goddess of water and fertility, Anahita, the only female in the Old Persian pantheon. Originally built on a square base, the temple must have been an impressive structure. As late as 1840, a traveler reported having seen 8 massive intact columns.Schatz

Iran, The Anahita temple in Kangavar (Kermanshahr)33 viewsI found a coin in this location, unfortunately not a Parthian or Sasanian drachm, but a rusty Byzantine bronze follis from the 11th cent. AD. The Silk Road was everywhere!1 commentsSchatz

Israel - Bar'am Synagogue320 viewsThis is one of the oldest synagogues in all of Israel.aarmale

Israel, Caesarea868 viewsThe ancient Roman port of Caesarea Maritima in Judaea (now Israel). This port was built by Herod the Great in the 1st century BCE. The view is of a portion of the aquaduct that brought water from the Carmel, just south of Haifa.2 commentsDaniel Friedman

Israel, Caesarea Maritima 211 viewsThe view north from Herod's Palace, looking over the hippodrome to the ancient port area beyond the distant headland.1 commentsLloyd

Israel, Caesarea Maritima - Amphitheatre300 views‘Amphitheatre’ is how Josephus describes this structure (Antiquities 15.341). It was designed to be suitable for races, athletics, and probably more violent entertainments. It measures about 50 x 290 m. Nearby in the city there is a more traditional semi-circular Roman amphitheatre. And a larger (90 x 450 m) hippodrome for chariot racing was built subsequently, probably at the time of Hadrian. Abu Galyon

Israel, Gezer - Bronze Age city walls545 viewsThese are the Bronze Age city walls of the Canaanite city of Gezer. It is near this town that the battle took place where Joshua is said to have held the sun and the moon still. The Canaanites held off the attacks by the tribe of Dan until the reign of Solomon.
posted by ZamZam

Israel, Gezer - six chambered gate built by Solomon546 viewsThe Canaanite town was supposedly conquered by an Egyptian pharaoh and given to Solomon as a dowry for his daughter. Solomon then rebuilt and fortified the city, including this six chambered gate, dating from the 10th century. The chambers were to be packed with soldiers, so if enemies forced their way through the gate, they would be surrounded by soldiers on all sides.
posted by ZamZam

Israel, Herodion188 viewsThe Herodion (Har Hordos) was Herod the Great’s summer palace near Jerusalem and – according to Josephus – the place of his burial. (A possible royal sarcophagus was discovered in 2007 but the identification with Herod is not certain.) There are two distinct parts: the Upper Herodion, a fortress complex set within a mountain top, and the Lower Herodion, the palace proper with several ancillary buildings (bath house, stadium, etc.) In the photograph, the Upper Herodion hill dominates the background, while the foreground shows part of a substantial colonnaded pool (70m x 45m) with a gazebo-like structure set at its centre. The area now in use as a car park would have been a formal garden in Herod’s day. Abu Galyon

Israel, Jericho - Herod's Palace157 viewsThe ruins at Tulul Abu el-Alaiq, site of Herod the Great’s winter retreat on the outskirts of Jericho. Jericho is over 300m below sea level and hence pleasantly warm in winter, even when it's freezing in Jerusalem. Around 35 BCE, Aristobulus, the last Hasmonaean high-priest and Herod’s brother-in-law, was murdered here on Herod’s orders, drowned in a fish pond. The palace and grounds extended across the Wadi Qilt (the seasonal river-bed in the foreground of the picture), which was spanned by a bridge. Abu Galyon

Israel, Jerusalem - Kidron Valley (1)138 viewsThis curious structure is known in Arabic as Tantour Faroun (‘Pharaoh’s Hat’). In fact it’s a funerary monument (nefesh) marking the entrance to a substantial catacomb with eight burial chambers cut into the cliff behind. It probably dates from the reign of Herod the Great. In guidebooks it’s sometimes marked as the ‘Tomb of Absalom’, but the legend that this is the tomb of David’s rebellious son is a medieval fantasy. Abu Galyon

Israel, Jerusalem - Kidron Valley (2)134 viewsAnother Kidron valley tomb complex (about 60m south of Tantour Faroun). Jewish pilgrims called this the ‘Tomb of Zechariah’, while the Christian pious associated it with their own early martyrs, notably St. James. In fact, an inscription shows that this was the burial place of the priestly Bene Hezir family, who get a passing mention in the Bible (1 Chronicles 24:15). The nefesh with a pyramidal top marks the entrance to a passage ascending into the cliff on the left. The actual burial chambers (four of them) lie in the area behind the Doric-columned façade. The complex dates from the later second-century BC. Abu Galyon

Israel, Jerusalem - Western Wall and Dome of the Rock1689 viewsThe first century BCE western retaining wall of the Second Jewish Temple, directly in front of the 8th century Dome of the Rock. Friday evening at sunset (beginning of Shabbat).
posted by Zam1 commentsZam

Israel, Legionary Camp of X Fretensis at Masada96 viewsRemnants of one of several legionary camps of X Fretensis at Masada in Israel, just outside the circumvallation wall which can be seen at the bottom of the image.

Israel, Masada474 viewsThe ancient fortress in the Judaean desert built by Herod the Great in the first century BCE, it was the last stronghold of a small group of zealots against Rome in the year 73 CE. The view is from the top of the fortress, looing down on the remains of the ancient roman encampment.1 commentsDaniel Friedman

Israel, Masada122 viewsAtop Masada, the Dead Sea and the shores of Jordan in the distant haze.Lloyd

Israel, Masada - Roman Encampment and Seige Ramp140 viewsLooking down on the stone wall outlines of one of the Roman encampments (middle upper right) that surrounded the fortress of Masada (another of Herod's Palaces in its glory days). The Roman seige ramp is to the lower left.Lloyd

Israel, Masada - The room in which lots were drawn169 viewsIn this space during archaeological excavations were found eleven ostroca bearing names in Aramaic script. One of eleven inscribed potsherds (ostraca) containing single names, bears in Aramaic script the name ben Ya’ir, undoubtedly Eleazar ben Ya’ir, leader of Masada’s defenders. The historian Josephus relates that when defense against the Romans seemed hopeless, the men at Masada cast lots to decide the order in which they and their families would commit suicide.

Based on the archaeological evidence it is likely that this was the space in which the lots were drawn and the fateful determinations made.1 commentsLloyd

Israel, Megiddo / Jezreel Valley116 viewsA view of the Jezreel Valley in the distance looking out from atop Tel Megiddo. The Jezreel Valley will be the site of the final battle between the armies of God and Satan as prophesied in the Book of Revelation. This photo was taken in June 2012 during a two week trip my wife and I took to Israel and Jordan.cmcdon0923

Israel, Nazareth - Rolling Stone Tomb148 viewsA really well-preserved example of a Jewish rolling-stone tomb. This one is part of a small necropolis which was found underneath the Convent of the Sisters of Nazareth, only a stone’s throw away from the Basilica of the Annunciation. Abu Galyon

Israel, Qumran - Cave 4162 viewsCave 4 was the nearest cave containing documents to the site at Qumran - it’s only about 500 metres away. Most visitors to Qumran take a picture like this one. But mostly they don’t realise that the highly visible cave entrance in their picture is modern, knocked into the side by looters. The ancient entrance to Cave 4 is on the top and well-hidden. Which is perhaps why Cave 4 was found by the local Bedouin, not by Western archaeologists, and why it wasn’t discovered until 1952, over five years after the original manuscript finds of 1946/7. Abu Galyon

Israel, Qumran - Miqvah133 viewsThis is L48-49, a water storage feature. The low, plastered partitions on the steps make it likely that this was a miqvah (a ritual bath), rather than a cistern. The damage on the left side of the steps dates from the earthquake of 31 BCE. Abu Galyon

Israel, Qumran - Scriptorium123 viewsL30. From the fill of this room (which came from a collapsed upper level) de Vaux recovered two inkwells and the remains of what appeared to be a long, narrow plastered table (about 480 cm x 40 cm). Another inkwell was found in an adjacent locus. He conjectured that L30 could have been the community’s ‘scriptorium’, a room for copying manuscripts. Abu Galyon

Israel, Qumran - Tower165 viewsThe remains of the tower at Qumran. The tower is set in the middle of the north side and has a natural function as an observation or guard tower: north looks towards Jericho, and that would be the natural direction from which travellers would approach the settlement. There is no access to the tower at ground level; instead people would have entered higher up, after climbing a flight of stone steps fixed to the south-side exterior wall. Abu Galyon

Israel, Scythopolis (Beit She'an)83 viewsScythopolis is the only one of the ten ‘Decapolis’ towns situated within the borders of modern Israel. The classical city was destroyed by an earthquake in 749 CE; its ruins are extensive and quite well-preserved. Prominent in the photo is the colonnaded Byzantine ‘Silvanus Street’ (the excavators named it after a local magistrate mentioned in an inscription as responsible for its renewal) which follows the route of the earlier Roman cardo maximus.

Sythopolis was built in the shadow of the earlier Canaanite city of Beit She’an, where (according to 1 Samuel 31) the Philistines, after their victory on Mount Gilboa, displayed the bodies of King Saul and his sons on the city walls. The vast mound of Tel Beit She’an is conspicuous in the background. Twenty settlement strata have been identified there, the earliest dating back to the Neolithic (5th millennium BCE). A section of the eastern Canaanite city walls has also been excavated and is visible in the photo. Abu Galyon

Israel, Scythopolis ampitheatre123 viewsA picture of the ampitheatre in Scythopolis, taken from the top of the even more ancient Beit She'an mound. Running in the foreground is the cardo. This was taken in June 2012 during a two week trip my wife and I took to Israel and Jordan.cmcdon0923

Israel, Sepphoris - 'Mona Lisa' Mosaic190 viewsPart of a Roman mosaic, usually dated to the early 3rd-century CE, from the dining room floor of a mansion in the upper town at Sepphoris. When it was first excavated, the Israeli press named it 'the Mona Lisa of the Galilee'. Over-hype, maybe, but it is certainly attractive.Abu Galyon

Israel, The Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem144 viewsPhoto by Andrew Shiva.Joe Sermarini

Israel, The Herodium125 viewsThe Herodium, 12 km south of Jerusalem, the site of one of Herod's residences and the location of his tomb. The buildings mid-slope to the left of centre are the site of the excavation of Herod's tomb.Lloyd

Israel, The Herodium Theatre132 viewsThe Herodium theatre immediately downslope of Herod's tomb. Sadly it was from this point that Ehud Netzer, the discoverer of Herod's tomb fell to his death in 2010, three years after his epic discovery.Lloyd

Italy, Aquileia - basilica167 viewsBasilica is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and the Saints Hermagora and Fortunatus and was built in the first half of the 11th century by Patriarch Poppo in Romanesque style. Upper parts and roof were built by Markward von Randeck in 14th-15th century in Gothic style.
Mosaics from 4th century were hidden under the floor until 1909.Johny SYSEL

Italy, Aquileia - mosaic floor177 viewsJonas swallowed by sea monster
Post-Theodorian South hall (end of 4th century)
Mosaics were originally part of Theodorian complex destroyed by Attila. Basilica was built on its site in 1031 and mosaics remained untouched under the floor.Johny SYSEL

Italy, Aquileia - mosaic floor181 viewsPost-Theodorian South hall (end of 4th century)
Mosaics were originally part of Theodorian complex destroyed by Attila. Basilica was built on its site in 1031 and mosaics remained untouched under the floor.Johny SYSEL

Italy, Aquileia - mosaic floor175 viewsscene of the Good Shepherd with the Mystic Flock
Christ is portrayed as a beardless young man bearing the lost lamb upon his shoulders. In one hand he holds the syrinx, symbol of the gentless he takes cere of his flock with.
Post-Theodorian South hall (end of 4th century)
Mosaics were originally part of Theodorian complex destroyed by Attila. Basilica was built on its site in 1031 and mosaics remained untouched under the floor.Johny SYSEL

Italy, Aquileia - mosaic floor174 viewsFishing scene describes the preaching of the Apostles ("Follow me and I will make you fishers of men":Matthew 4,19). The fishes represent the people listening to the good news, the boat is symbol of the church, the net represents the kingdom of heaven ("The kingdom of heaven is like big net that was cast into the sea...": Matthew 13,47).
Post-Theodorian South hall (end of 4th century)
Mosaics were originally part of Theodorian complex destroyed by Attila. Basilica was built on its site in 1031 and mosaics remained untouched under the floor.Johny SYSEL

Italy, Aquileia - mosaic floor167 viewsRam and battle between Cock and Tortoise. The Cock is symbol of the light of a new day, thus representing Christ, the "light of the world". The tortoise, whose Greek name means "dweller of the darkness", is instead of the symbol of Evil.
Post-Theodorian North hall (middle of the 4th century)Johny SYSEL

Italy, Monza, Serpero Museum, Duomo di Monza.32 viewsIvory diptych of Stilicho, Roman General (magister militum), Patrician and Consul of the Western Roman Empire. The diptych depicts Stilicho, on the right and, on the left, his wife Serena standing with his son, Eucherius.

The Duomo di Monza is the main religious building of Monza. Although known in English as Monza Cathedral, the building is not in fact a cathedral, as Monza is part of the Diocese of Milan. The church is also known as the Basilica of San Giovanni Battista from its dedication to John the Baptist. In the right transept is the entrance to the Serpero Museum which houses the treasury.*Alex

Italy, National Museum Naples, Marble bust of Hannibal from Capua67 viewsA marble bust, reputedly of Hannibal, originally found at the ancient city-state of Capua in Italy (some historians are uncertain of the authenticity of the portrait). From Phaidon Verlag (Wien-Leipzig) - "Römische Geschichte", gekürzte Ausgabe (1932). Author died more than 70 years ago - public domain.Joe Sermarini

Italy, Paestum, Temple of Apollo156 viewsFirstly it was thought it's temple of Poseidon, then it's the second temple of Hera and now it's thought it's temple of Apollo. But somewhen temple was used as temple of Poseidon and somewhen as temple of Hera.
Who knows how many times temple will change deity in future.

Italy, Paestum, Temple of Apollo147 viewsFirstly it was thought it's temple of Poseidon, then it's the second temple of Hera and now it's thought it's temple of Apollo. But somewhen temple was used as temple of Poseidon and somewhen as temple of Hera.
Who knows how many times temple will change deity in future.

Italy, Piombino, Museo Archeologico del Territorio di Populonia115 viewsAmphora of barrati, a amphora totally of silver found in the sea near PiombinoFranz-Josef M

Italy, Piombino, Museo Archeologico del Territorio di Populonia145 viewsPart of a coin deposit found in the sea near the beach of Populonia, totally weight 17 kg, now in the museum of Piombino in an aquarium. The hoard consists of Antoninians of the third century.Franz-Josef M

Italy, Pompeii - graffiti258 viewsAncient graffiti (gladiator standing left) on a wall. Visitors can walk right up and touch it. July 2008Mark Zema

Italy, Pompeii - modest villa332 viewsInside one of the more modest villas in Pompeii, although you'd never know it by the still-beautiful murals on the walls and the fountain there to the right.1 commentsMark Zema

Italy, Pompeii - street192 viewsAnother great shot of another street in Pompeii. The stepping stones in the foreground can be found all around the city. As I'm sure you know, water ran constantly through the streets, and pedestrians used these stepping stones to keep their feet dry.Mark Zema

Italy, Pompeii - villa 220 viewsThis is one of the more fashionable villas in town. Note the private garden area to the rear. The small pool in the foreground was for catching rainwater falling through a specially made hole in the roof. July 2008Mark Zema

Italy, Populonia - Etruscian necropole119 viewsThis Etruscian necropole is near the town Piombino in the Toscana Italy, this graves are from the 3-2 century before christ.Franz-Josef M

Italy, Populonia - Content of an etruscian grave 130 viewsIn the museum of Piombino there is a Replica of an grave of the Populonia necropole, with the original content of this grave.Franz-Josef M

Italy, Populonia - mosaic153 viewsThis mosaic was found already in the early 19 th century, it shows many sea animals and a ship wreck.Franz-Josef M

Italy, Populonia - mosaic, nearly total view118 viewsA famous beautiful mosaic with a ship wreck and many different sea animals, fishes, octopus snail etc.; most animals can be identified. Now in the museum of PiombinoFranz-Josef M

Italy, Populonia - necropole142 views2nd century BC - etruscian necropole, the content of all graves is robbed before the scientist could explore those, except the one at the bottom. the content of this grave could now be seen in the museum of piombino.Franz-Josef M

Italy, Port facilities of Sybaris108 viewsExcavated remains of the port facilities of Sybaris. These are located on the Casa Bianca site in the easternmost section of the Sybaris archaeological park. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sybaris_port_facilities.jpgJoe Sermarini

Italy, Ravenna, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia50 viewsit is describbed as "the earliest and best preserved of all mosaic monuments, and at the same time one of the most artistically perfect"

The building was formerly the oratory of the Church of the Holy Cross and now contains three sarcophagi. The largest sarcophagus was thought to contain the remains of Galla Placidia (died 450). Other is attributed to her husband, Emperor Constantius III. The last sarcophagus is attributed to Galla's son, Emperor Valentinian III, or to her brother, Emperor Honorius.Johny SYSEL

Italy, Ravenna, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia115 viewsit is describbed as "the earliest and best preserved of all mosaic monuments, and at the same time one of the most artistically perfect"

The building was formerly the oratory of the Church of the Holy Cross and now contains three sarcophagi. The largest sarcophagus was thought to contain the remains of Galla Placidia (died 450). Other is attributed to her husband, Emperor Constantius III. The last sarcophagus is attributed to Galla's son, Emperor Valentinian III, or to her brother, Emperor Honorius.1 commentsJohny SYSEL

Italy, Ravenna, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia115 viewsit is describbed as "the earliest and best preserved of all mosaic monuments, and at the same time one of the most artistically perfect"

The building was formerly the oratory of the Church of the Holy Cross and now contains three sarcophagi. The largest sarcophagus was thought to contain the remains of Galla Placidia (died 450). Other is attributed to her husband, Emperor Constantius III. The last sarcophagus is attributed to Galla's son, Emperor Valentinian III, or to her brother, Emperor Honorius.1 commentsJohny SYSEL

Italy, Ravenna, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia49 viewsThe building was formerly the oratory of the Church of the Holy Cross and now contains three sarcophagi. The largest sarcophagus was thought to contain the remains of Galla Placidia (died 450). Other is attributed to her husband, Emperor Constantius III. The last sarcophagus is attributed to Galla's son, Emperor Valentinian III, or to her brother, Emperor Honorius.Johny SYSEL

Italy, Rome, Arch of Septimus Severus470 viewsPosted by Strength And Honour.
Photo taken by my friend Hebe.Strength And Honour

Italy, Rome, Arch of Titus631 viewsArch of Titus in Rome depicting the spoils of Jerusalem's temple.
Photo taken September 2005Titus Pullo

Italy, Rome, Arch of Titus301 viewsbuilt by Domitianus
commemorate victory of Titus in Jerusalem in the first Jewish–Roman War1 commentsJohny SYSEL

Italy, Rome, Arch of Titus310 viewsThe Arch of Titus, on the Via Sacra, Rome, just to the south-east of the Roman Forum, was completed by Domitian in 96 A.D. to commemorate Titus' victories, including the Siege of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. The Arch of Titus has provided the general model for many of the triumphal arches erected since the 16th century—perhaps most famously it is the inspiration for the 1806 Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France, completed in 1836.1 commentsJohny SYSEL

Italy, Rome, Basilica of Santi Cosma e Damiano, Roman bronze doors26 viewsThe original bronze doors of the Temple of Divus Romulus still survive and are pictured above. They are set between two porphyry columns that support a reused marble architrave and open into a rotunda fifty Roman feet in diameter covered by a cupola which is accessible from the rear through the Basilica of Santi Cosma e Damiano. The temple was converted into a vestibule for the church early in the 6th century.*Alex

Italy, Rome, Basilica Ulpia and Trajan's column247 viewsChurch of the Most Holy Name of Mary at the Trajan Forum in the background.1 commentsJohny SYSEL

Italy, Rome, Colosseum Arch of Constantine320 viewsOne of my favorite photos I took in Rome, a view of the Arch of Constantine as seen looking out from inside the Colosseum. 1 commentsfordicus

Italy, Rome, Colosseum with arch of Constantine in the background143 viewsJohny SYSEL

Italy, Rome, Colosseum, Flavian Amphitheatre75 viewsHere's yet another pic of the famous Roman landmark, only this time, I used the "Pano" feature on my iPhone, allowing the entire northern half to be viewed. Mark Z

Italy, Rome, Column of Antoninus Pius, Cortile della Pigna, Vatican Museums24 viewsAbove are the four sides of the base of the Column of Antoninus Pius (Columna Antonini Pii) which was erected in the Campus Martius in memory of Antoninus Pius by Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus c.A.D.158 on the twentieth anniversary of his reign. Constructed of red granite, the column was 14.75 metres high and 1.90m in diameter, unlike the otherwise similar column of Trajan it had no decorating reliefs. The masons' inscription shows that it was quarried out in A.D.106 and architecturally it belonged to the Ustrinum which was 25m north of it on the same orientation. It was surmounted by a statue of Antoninus Pius. Previous to the 18th century the base was completely buried, but the lower part of the shaft projected about 6m above the ground. In 1703, when some buildings were demolished in the area of Montecitorio, the rest of the column and the base were discovered and excavated. The base still survives and is now housed in the Cortile della Pigna in the Vatican Museums.*Alex

Italy, Rome, Column of Marcus Aurelius154 viewsIt was built in 176 or later after death of Marcus Aurelius to celebrate victory over Marcomani and Quadi and Sarmatians. Johny SYSEL

Italy, Rome, Curia797 viewsThe place where the Senate held its meetings.
Notice the three different kinds of marble used for the pavement. The beheaded statue should be Trajan's.
Posted by Strength And Honour.
Photo taken by my friend Hebe.2 commentsStrength And Honour

Italy, Rome, Curia Iulia, Forum Romanum105 viewsCuria Julia (Latin: Curia Iulia, Italian: Curia Iulia) is the third named Curia, or Senate House, in the ancient city of Rome. It was built in 44 BC when Julius Caesar replaced Faustus Cornelius Sulla’s reconstructed Curia Cornelia, which itself had replaced the Curia Hostilia. Caesar did this in order to redesign both spaces within the Comitium and Forum Romanum. The alterations within the Comitium reduced the prominence of the senate and cleared the original space. The work, however, was interrupted by Caesar's assassination at the Theatre of Pompey where the Senate had been meeting temporarily while the work was completed. The project was eventually finished by Caesar’s successor Augustus in 29 BC. The Curia Julia is one of only a handful of Roman structures to survive to the modern day mostly intact, due to its conversion into the basilica of Sant'Adriano al Foro in the 7th century and several later restorations. However the roof, together with the upper elevations of the side walls and rear façade, are modern. These parts date from the remodeling of the deconsecrated church in the 1930s.Joe Sermarini

Italy, Rome, Flavian Palace - Domus Flavia (and Circo Massimo)114 viewsThe Flavian Palace, also known as Domus Flavia, is a part of the vast residential complex of the Roman Emperors on the Palatine Hill in Rome. It was completed in 92 AD in the reign of Titus Flavius Domitianus, more commonly known as the Emperor Domitian, and attributed to his master architect, Rabirius. Well known for its grandeur, the Flavian Palace was more commonly used for purposes of state, while the Domus Augustana, an enormous, lavishly ornamented palace south of the Flavian Palace, was the Emperor’s primary residence.

Italy, Rome, Forum from Palatino136 viewsTemple of Antoninus and Faustina
Temple of Romulus

This temple Maxentius built for his son Romulus who died 309 AD. Maybe the temple is built over earlier temple.
In 527 the temle with library on Vespasian's forum was rebuild to church of St. Cosma and Damian.Johny SYSEL

Italy, Rome, Forum of Augustus137 viewsIt includes the Temple of Mars UltorJohny SYSEL

The original Pantheon was built by Marcus Agrippa and later restored and rebuilt by Hadrian added and engineered the worlds largest unsupported domed roof. He kept the original dedication to Agrippa. A marvel of engineering and a sight to see.Titus Pullo

Italy, Rome, Pantheon inside327 viewsInterior view of Hadrian's dome and ocular center. An engeneering masterpiece, the concrete gets thinner as it rises. The open ocular in the center allows light to flood into this massive ancient space. The walls at the bottom are about 12 feet thick. The interior is completely ancient from the marble floors to the walls and dome. Origianlly dedicated to all the god's it is now a Catholic church.Titus Pullo

Wikipedia: "Temple of Juturna built by Gaius Lutatius Catulus after his victory against the Carthaginians in 241 BC. It was later rebuilt into a church, whose apse is still present.

Circular temple with six columns remaining, was built by Quintus Lutatius Catulus in 101 BC to celebrate his victory over Cimbri; it was Aedes Fortunae Huiusce Diei, a temple devoted to the "Luck of the Current Day"."

Italy, Rome, Temple of Antoninus and Faustina205 viewsTemple was build in 141 AD and dedicated to Faustina. In 161 temple was re-dedicated jointly to Antoninus and Faustina.
Temple was converted to a church, known as San Lorenzo in Miranda.1 commentsJohny SYSEL

Italy, Rome, Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, with the church of San Lorenzo in Miranda, view from Palatine Hill, May 2005.30 viewsTemple of Antoninus and Faustina, with the church of San Lorenzo in Miranda, view from Palatine Hill, May 2005. The Temple of Antoninus and Faustina is an ancient Roman temple in Rome, adapted as a Roman Catholic church, Chiesa di San Lorenzo in Miranda. It is in the Forum Romanum, on the Via Sacra, opposite the Regia. The temple was begun by Antoninus Pius in 141 and was initially dedicated to his deceased and deified wife, Faustina the Elder. When Antoninus Pius was deified after his death in 161 AD, the temple was re-dedicated jointly to Antoninus and Faustina at the instigation of his successor, Marcus Aurelius. The ten monolithic Corinthian columns of its pronaos are 17 metres high. The rich bas-reliefs of the frieze under the cornice, of garlanded griffons and candelabri, were often copied from the sixteenth through the nineteenth centuries.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_of_Antoninus_and_Faustina Photograph released to the public domain. 1 commentsJoe Sermarini

Italy, Rome, Temple of Venus and Roma150 viewsThis is largest roman temple and it was designed by emperor Hadrian himself. Temple was finished by Antoninus Pius and repaired by Maxentius after fire. In 850 after earthquake pope Leo IV built Santa Maria Nova over ruins. In 1612 after renovation church was renamed to Santa Francesca Romana.Johny SYSEL

Italy, Rome, Temple of Venus Genetrix122 viewschurch of Santi Luca e Martina; curia; arch of Septimius Severus
... I think so many different types of building in the one picture you can find only in Rome.Johny SYSEL

Italy, Rome, Temple of Vesta307 viewsWhat remains of the temple of Vesta in the Roman forum. The structure was actually restored to the condition now seen. Photo taken in 2005Titus Pullo

Italy, Rome, Temple of Vesta in the Forum Romanum.58 viewsTemple of Vesta in the Forum Romanum in Rome. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_of_Vesta. All temples to Vesta were round, and had entrances facing east to symbolize connection between Vesta’s fire and the sun as sources of life. The Temple of Vesta represents the site of ancient cult activity as far back as 7th century BCE. Numa Pompilius is believed to have built this temple along with the original Regia and House of the Vestal Virgins in its original form. Around the Temple stood The Sacred Grove, in which also there was a graveyard for the priests and virgins. It was one of the earliest structures located in the Roman Forum although its present reincarnation is the result of subsequent rebuilding. Instead of a cult statue in the cella there was a hearth which held the sacred flame. The temple was the storehouse for the legal wills and documents of Roman Senators and cult objects such as the Palladium. The Palladium was a statue of Athena (Roman Minerva) believed to have been brought by Aeneas from Troy; the statue was felt to be one of the Pignora Imperii, or pledges of imperium, of Ancient Rome. According to Dionysius of Halicarnassus, the Romans believed that the Sacred fire of Vesta was closely tied to the fortunes of the city and viewed its extinction as a portent of disaster. The sacred flame was put out in 394 by Theodosius I after he won the Battle of the Frigidus, defeating Eugenius and Arbogast. The Temple of Vesta remained reasonably intact until the Renaissance. However, in 1549 the building was completely demolished and its marble reused in churches and papal palaces. The section standing today was reconstructed in the 1930s during the dictatorship of Benito Mussolini.

Italy, Rome, The Colum of Marcus Aurelius with Detail Memorializing the "Miracle in the Rain"31 viewsThe Column of Marcus Aurelius in Piazza Colonna. The five horizontal slits (visible in the middle photo) allow light into the internal stairway. The photo on the right shows detail memorializing the "Miracle in the Rain."

On June 11, 173, during the Marcomannic Wars (166–180), the Roman army in Moravia was outnumbered and surrounded by the Quadi, suffering from the extreme heat, out of water, and on the verge of defeat. Dio writes, "many clouds gathered and a mighty rain, not without divine interposition, burst upon them...when the rain poured down, at first all turned their faces upwards and received the water in their mouths; then some held out their shields and some their helmets to catch it, and they not only took deep draughts themselves but also gave their horses to drink...while those on the one side were being drenched and drinking, the others [the Quadi] were being consumed by fire [lightning] and dying." The Romans were soon victorious. Marcus was saluted imperator for the seventh time and the "miracle of the rain" was memorialized on Marcus Aurelius' column. In 174, Marcus Aurelius officially conferred the title Fulminata (Thundering) to the Legio XII Fulminata.

Photos by Adrian Pingstone released to the public domain.Joe Sermarini

Italy, Rome, The Column of Focas252 viewsThe Column of Phocas at Rome was erected before the Rostra and dedicated to the Emperor on 1 August 608. It was the last addition made to the Forum Romanum. The Corinthian column has a height of 13.6 m (44 ft). Both the column and the marble socle were recycled from earlier use. It still stands in its original location. An English translation of the inscription follows: To the best, most clement and pious ruler, our lord Phocas the perpetual emperor, crowned by God, the forever august triumphator, did Smaragdus, former praepositus sacri palatii and patricius and Exarch of Italy, devoted to His Clemency for the innumerable benefactions of His Piousness and for the peace acquired for Italy and its freedom preserved, this statue of His Majesty, blinking from the splendor of gold here on this tallest column for his eternal glory erect and dedicate, on the first day of the month of August, in the eleventh indiction in the fifth year after the consulate of His Piousness. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Column_of_Phocas. Image released to public domain.Joe Sermarini

Italy, Rome, The Painted Garden of Livia4 viewsThe painted garden of Livia Augusta was located at her country residence in Prima Porta, 15km north along the Via Flaminia. It was decorating the walls of a windowless underground room which was probably used as a summer room.

Italy, Rome, View from the Colosseum468 viewsOn the left the Palatine Hill, the Via Sacra and Titus' Arch.
On the right Maxentius' Basilica
Posted by Strength And Honour.
Photo taken by my friend Hebe.Strength And Honour

Italy, Sicily, Agrigento - Temple of Concordia451 viewsgreek colony - Akragas
temple from 5. century BC
6 x 13 columns built over a basament of 39.44 x 16.91 m
temple was turned into church in the 6th century ADJohny SYSEL

Italy, Sicily, Agrigento - Temple of Juno308 viewsbuilt in the 5. century BC and burnt in 406 BC by the Carthaginians
used for the celebration of weddingsJohny SYSEL

Italy, Sicily, Agrigento - Temple of Juno Lacinia106 viewsThis temple was constructed on a mostly artificial spur. It dates to c. 450 BC, measuring 38.15 x 16.90 m: it is in Doric style, peripteros 6 columns wide by 13 long, preceded by a pronaos and opisthodomos. The basement has four steps.

Current remains (including anastylosis from the 18th Century onwards) consist of the front colonnade with parts of the architrave and of the frieze. Only fragments of the other three sides survive, with few elements of the cella. The building was damaged in the fire of 406 BC and restored in Roman times, with the substitution of clay marble roof tiles with ones and the addition of a steep rise in the area where today can be seen the remains of the altar.

Nearby are arcosolia and other sepultures from Byzantine times, belonging to the late 6th century AD renovation of the Temple of Concordia into a Christian church.Joe Sermarini

Italy, Sicily, Agrigento, Temple of Concordia189 viewsDue to its good state of preservation, the Temple of Concordia is ranked amongst the most notable edifices of the Greek civilization existing today. It has a peristatis of 6 x 13 columns built over a basement of 39.44 x 16.91 m; each Doric column has twenty grooves and a slight entasis, and is surmounted by an architrave with triglyphs and metopes; also perfectly preserved are the tympani. The cella, preceded by a pronaos, is accessed by a single step; also existing are the pylons with the stairs which allowed to reach the roof and, over the cella's walls and in the blocks of the peristasis entablature, the holes for the wooden beam of the ceiling. The exterior and the interior of the temple were covered by polychrome stucco. The upper frame had gutters with lion-like protomes, while the roof was covered by marble tiles.

When the temple was turned into a church the entrance was moved to the rear, and the rear wall of the cella was destroyed. The spaces between the columns were closed, while 12 arched openings were created in the cella, in order to obtain a structure with one nave and two aisles. The pagan altar was destroyed and sacristies were carved out in the eastern corners. The sepultures visible inside and outside the temple date to the High Middle Age.2 commentsJoe Sermarini

Italy, Sicily, Agrigento, Valley of the Temples93 viewsThe Valle dei Templi (English: Valley of the Temples, Sicilian: Vaddi di li Tempri) is an archaeological site in Agrigento (ancient Greek Akragas), Sicily, southern Italy. It is one of the most outstanding examples of Greater Greece art and architecture, and is one of the main attractions of Sicily as well as a national monument of Italy. The area was included in the UNESCO Heritage Site list in 1997. Much of the excavation and restoration of the temples was due to the efforts of archaeologist Domenico Antonio Lo Faso Pietrasanta (1783–1863), who was the Duke of Serradifalco from 1809 through 1812.

The term "valley" is a misnomer, the site being located on a ridge outside the town of Agrigento.Joe Sermarini

Italy, Sicily, Casale - roman villa - Basin at the entrance213 viewsbuilt 301-325 AD
it was centre of huge latifundium but later it was used for holiday in byzantine and arabic times. It was abandoned in twelfth century.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_Romana_del_CasaleJohny SYSEL

Italy, Sicily, View of Solanto from the ruins of Soluntum (aka Solus, Solous, and Kefra)51 viewsView of Solanto from the ruins of Soluntum (aka Solus, Solous, and Kefra), Sicily

Solus (or Soluntum, near modern Solanto) was an ancient city on the north coast of Sicily, one of the three chief Phoenician settlements on the island, about 16 kilometers (10 miles) east of Panormus (modern Palermo). It lay 183 meters (600 ft) above sea level, on the southeast side of Monte Catalfano 373 meters (1,225 ft), in a naturally strong situation, and commanding a fine view. The date of its founding is unknown. Solus was one of the few colonies that the Phoenicians retained when they withdrew to the northwest corner of the island before the advance of the Greek colonies in Sicily. Together with Panormus and Motya, it allied with the Carthaginians. In 396 B.C. Dionysius took the city but it probably soon broke away again to Carthage and was usually part of their dominions on the island. In 307 B.C. it was given to the soldiers and mercenaries of Agathocles, who had made peace with the Carthage when abandoned by their leader in Africa. During the First Punic War it was still subject to Carthage, and it was not until after the fall of Panormus that Soluntum also opened its gates to the Romans. It continued to under Roman dominion as a municipal town, but apparently one of no great importance, as its name is only slightly and occasionally mentioned by Cicero. But it is still noticed both by Pliny and Ptolemy, as well as at a later period by the Itineraries. Its destruction probably dates from the time of the Saracens.

Excavations have brought to light considerable remains of the ancient town, belonging entirely to the Roman period, and a good deal still remains unexplored. The traces of two ancient roads, paved with large blocks of stone, which led up to the city, may still be followed, and the whole summit of Monte Catalfano is covered with fragments of ancient walls and foundations of buildings. Among these may be traced the remains of two temples, of which some capitals and portions of friezes, have been discovered. An archaic oriental Artemis sitting between a lion and a panther, found here, is in the museum at Palermo, with other antiquities from this site. An inscription, erected by the citizens in honor of Fulvia Plautilla, the wife of Caracalla, was found there in 1857. With the exception of the winding road by which the town was approached on the south, the streets, despite the unevenness of the ground, which in places is so steep that steps have to be introduced, are laid out regularly, running from east to west and from north to south, and intersecting at right angles. They are as a rule paved with slabs of stone. The houses were constructed of rough walling, which was afterwards plastered over; the natural rock is often used for the lower part of the walls. One of the largest of them, with a peristyle, was in 1911, though wrongly, called the gymnasium. Near the top of the town are some cisterns cut in the rock, and at the summit is a larger house than usual, with mosaic pavements and paintings on its walls. Several sepulchres also have been found.

Italy, Sicily, Villa Casale113 viewsbuilt 301-325 AD
it was centre of huge latifundium but later it was used for holiday in byzantine and arabic times. It was abandoned in twelfth century.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_Romana_del_CasaleJohny SYSEL

Italy, Sicily, Villa Casale - room of the 10 girls in bikinis158 viewsbuilt 301-325 AD
it was centre of huge latifundium but later it was used for holiday in byzantine and arabic times. It was abandoned in twelfth century.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_Romana_del_CasaleJohny SYSEL

Italy, Vulci - cryptoportico122 viewshall in the basement of magnificent aristocrat's residence from the late 2nd century BCJohny SYSEL

Italy, Vulci - Great Temple1157 viewsEtruscan temple was at this site since 6th century BC, rebuilt by Romans.Johny SYSEL

Jordan, Amman - Acropolis261 viewsAmman in Jordan was ancient Philadelphia, a Decapolis town. Not much remains of the (second-century CE) Temple of Heracles which once dominated the city's acropolis, but the surviving columns are impressively large. Heracles also features prominently on Philadelphia's coinage.Abu Galyon

Jordan, Gadara158 viewsPart of an early Byzantine church complex at Umm Qais in north-west Jordan. Umm Qais is ancient Gadara of the Decapolis (as in the 'Gadarene swine' of Matthew 8:28-34). The city is built from a mixture of white limestone and dark basalt, often mixed together, which gives some of the buildings a curious chess-board look.Abu Galyon

Jordan, Jerash - Nymphaeum138 viewsGerasa’s Nymphaeum is quite well preserved and must have been spectacular in its prime. Originally there would have been a half-dome covering the top and each niche would have contained a statue. Note the holes in the lower level niches: the sculptures here would have also served as decorative water conduits to fill the basin underneath. Abu Galyon

Jordan, Jerash - Oval Plaza149 viewsJerash is ancient Gerasa in Jordan, one of the Decapolis cities. The superb Oval Plaza stands at one end of the Cardo.Abu Galyon

Jordan, Jerash - Temple of Artemis181 viewsArtemis was the patron goddess of Gerasa, and the temple dedicated to her was one of the city’s grandest monuments. It was reached by ascending an imposing processional Sacred Way, starting from the Cardo. The temple was built during the mid 2nd-century CE and worship continued there until suppressed by Theodosius around 391. Afterwards, in Byzantine times, part of the Sacred Way was converted into a church (the ‘Propylaeum Church’) and the temple courtyard was used as a pottery workshop, while the naos itself was left to crumble quietly away. Abu Galyon

Jordan, Machaerus127 viewsMachaerus is in central Jordan, not far from the Dead Sea. It's one of Herod the Great's hilltop desert fortresses. Not as well-known or impressive as Masada perhaps, but Machaerus has it's own claim to fame: according to Josephus, Machaerus is where John the Baptist was imprisoned and executed.Abu Galyon

Jordan, Petra - 'Little Petra'147 viewsThis is Al-Barid (often called 'Little Petra') which is about 5 km distant from the central parts of Petra which attract all the tourists. By contrast, Little Petra is not often visited, but it's very atmospheric (with its own mini-Siq!) and an excursion here can also take in the nearby and fascinating Neolithic site of Beidha.Abu Galyon

Jordan, Petra - Ed Deir140 viewsThis is Ed Deir, one of the 'high places' of Petra. There's a rock cut path, you have to climb about 800 steps above Cardo level to get there, but worth it. Early Western visitors called it 'the Monastery', which perhaps it was during Byzantine times, originally though, a Nabataean temple (not a tomb).Abu Galyon

Jordan, Petra - Khasneh146 viewsOK, it’s the photograph every visitor to Petra takes: the first sight of the Kasneh framed by the dark canyon of the Siq. But the view is breathtaking, so who can resist? Abu Galyon

Jordan, Petra - Qasr al-Bint113 viewsIt’s known locally by the name of Qasr al-Bint al-Faroun, ‘the Palace of Pharaoh’s Daughter’, but it’s really a Nabataean temple, probably originally dedicated to Dushrat. The Qasr al-Bint is one of the best preserved free-standing buildings in Petra and stands in a sacred precinct at the far end of the city’s Cardo. In front of the temple steps is a substantial open-air altar platform. The area still further in the foreground of the picture is now used as a Bedouin taxi rank, where the tired tourist who no longer wishes to walk can hire a camel or donkey for the trip back to the start of the Siq. Abu Galyon

Jordan, Petra - Roman Soldier's Tomb161 viewsIt's popularly called the "Roman Soldier's Tomb" because the central headless figure on the facade is clearly wearing a cuirass. The trouble is that the tomb can't really be dated later than the early years of Rabbel II, i.e. at least 30 years before the Roman annexation in 106 CE. That makes a Roman officer's burial highly questionable. The interior layout is elaborate - a tomb intended for someone of quite high status.Abu Galyon

Jordan, Petra - Silk Tomb135 viewsThe 'Silk Tomb' is hard to photograph and is best visited near sunrise or sunset. Depending on the time of day (i.e. on the angle at which the sunlight strikes the rock) the colours either look vibrant and alive or flat and dull.Abu Galyon

Jordan, Petra - The collonaded street430 viewsThis is the centre of the lower city and divides it in north and south.
This is the road that leads to the Semenos gate (at our back)
You can also see the following tombs (from left to right)
Corinthian tomb, Silk tomb and the Urn tomb.pax

Jordan, Petra - The Treasury734 viewsI visited the ancient city of Petra in 1999, it is located in Jordan.
The Nabateers "build" this city in the dessert, all the temples and houses are carved in the soft rock.
When you have passed the Siq, the first temple you see is the Al-Khazneh Farun, or The Treasury.3 commentspax

Jordan, Petra - The Treasury 2385 viewsAl-Khazneh Farun - The Faro treasure
This was build in 84-85 b.c., by king Aretas IV.pax

Jordan, Petra - Theater415 viewsA vieuw on some graves and on the left side a theater.pax

Jordan, Petra - Theater 2401 viewsThe remains, the side were the artists stood.
The theater was build in 100 a.c., and expanded in 106 when the Romans came.pax

Libya, The theatre of the Roman city of Sabratha143 viewsPhoto made by the author (duimdog) of the theatre of the Roman city of Sabratha in Libya. For more images of Sabratha See also my Sabratha photoset on Flickr.Source: http://flickr.com/photos/duimdog/127614169/in/set-72057594105577693/

Lybia, Sabratha - Detail of Scaenae Frons118 viewsA relief in one of the niches of the theatre frontSyltorian

Lybia, Sabratha - Scaenae Frons207 viewsThe scaenae frons of the theatre of Sabratha, modern Libya. The sea is visible behind, through the central gate. Note the great reliefs under the stage itself. Syltorian

Lybia, Sabratha - Theatre158 viewsThe theatre of the ancient city of Sabratha (Libya), built during the reign of the Severans, reconstructed by Mussolini. Syltorian

Mali, West Africa, Timbukto1832 viewsYes it does exist! although it has lost a lot from its glory days in the 14th and 16th centuries, still a fascinating place to visit. Meaning well of the woman named 'Bouctou'. In its day 25,000 students are reputed to have studied there at any one time. Some of the manuscripts can still be viewed; on such varied subjects at medicine, astronomy and arithmetic; sadly they are not well preserved.4 commentsBolayi

Morocco, Lixus45 viewsLixus is the site of an ancient Roman city located in Morocco just north of the modern seaport of Larache on the bank of the Loukkos River. The location was one of the main cities of the Roman province of Mauretania Tingitana .

Ancient Lixus is located on Tchemmich Hill on the right bank of the Loukkos River (other names: Oued Loukous; Locus River), just to the north of the modern seaport of Larache. The site lies within the urban perimeter of Larache, and about three kilometers inland from the mouth of the river and the Atlantic ocean. From its 80 meters above the plain the site dominates the marshes through which the river flows. To the north, Lixus is surrounded by hills which themselves are bordered to the north and east by a forest of cork oaks.

Among the ruins there are Roman baths, temples, 4th century walls, a mosaic floor, a Christian church and the intricate and confusing remains of the Capitol Hill.

Lixus was first settled by the Phoenicians in the 7th century BC and was later annexed by Carthage. Lixus was part of a chain of Phoenician/Carthaginian settlements along the Atlantic coast of modern Morocco; other major settlements further to the south are Chellah (called Sala Colonia by the Romans) and Mogador. When Carthage fell to Ancient Rome, Lixus, Chellah and Mogador became imperial outposts of the Roman province Mauretania Tingitana.

The ancient sources agree to make of Lixus a counter Phoenician, which is confirmed by the archaeological discovery of material dating from 8th century BC. It gradually grew in importance, later coming under Carthaginian domination. After the destruction of Carthage, Lixus fell to Roman control and was made an imperial colony, reaching its zenith during the reign of the emperor Claudius I (AD 41-54).

Some ancient Greek writers located at Lixus the mythological garden of the Hesperides, the keepers of the golden apples. The name of the city was often mentioned by writers from Hanno the Navigator to the Geographer of Ravenna, and confirmed by the legend on its coins and by an inscription. The ancients believed Lixus to be the site of the Garden of the Hesperides and of a sanctuary of Hercules, where Hercules gathered gold apples, more ancient than the one at Cadiz, Spain. However, there are no grounds for the claim that Lixus was founded at the end of the second millennium BC.

Lixus flourished during the Roman Empire, mainly when Claudius established a Roman Colonia with full rights for the citizens. Lixus was one of the few Roman cities in Berber Africa that enjoyed an amphitheater: the amphitheater at Lixus. In the third century Lixus become nearly fully Christian and there are even now the ruins of a paleochristian church overlooking the archeological area. The Arab invasions destroyed the Roman city. Some berber life was maintained there nevertheless until one century after the Islamic conquest of North Africa by the presence of a mosque and a house with patio with the covered walls of painted stuccos.

The site was excavated continuously from 1948 to 1969. In the 1960s, Lixus was restored and consolidated. In 1989, following an international conference which brought together many scientists, specialists, historians and archaeologists of the Mediterranean around the history and archaeology of Lixus, the site was partly enclosed. Work was undertaken to study the Roman mosaics of the site, which constitute a very rich unit. In addition to the vestiges interesting to discover the such mosaics whose one of sixty meters representing Poseidon. Lixus was on a surface of approximately 75 hectares (190 acres). The excavated zones constitute approximately 20% of the total surface of the site.

This site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List on July 1, 1995 in the Cultural category.Joe Sermarini

Morocco, Volubilis Capitol42 viewsTo the south of the basilica stands the capitol, a temple dedicated to the Roman Capitoline triad, Jupiter, Juno and Minerva. It is composed of a single cella reached by thirteen steps. Four other chapels complete the complex, of which one was dedicated to the goddess Venus. The temple was reconstructed in 218 C.E. by Macrinus, as is indicated by an inscription found in 1924. The temple’s porticos were restored in 1955. In 1962, restoration work started again; the stairs were restored (only three steps remained out of the original thirteen), and the walls of the cella as well as the architectural elements (column drums, bases and capitals) were restored. Franz-Josef M

Motya Charioteer marble sculpture14 viewsThe remarkable and exquisite Motya Charioteer marble sculpture found in 1979 is world famous and is on display at the local Giuseppe Whitaker museum.

Motya was an ancient and powerful city on an island off the west coast of Sicily, between Drepanum (modern Trapani) and Lilybaeum (modern Marsala). The island was renamed San Pantaleo in the 11th century by Basilian monks. It lies in the Stagnone Lagoon, and is within the comune of Marsala. The island is nearly 850 metres (2,790 ft) long and 750 metres (2,460 ft) wide, and about 1 kilometer (0.62 mi) (six stadia) from the mainland of Sicily. It was joined to the mainland in ancient times by an artificial causeway (paved road), by which chariots with large wheels could reach the town.

New World, Maya, Altun Ha, Belize513 viewsMayadigger - Altun Ha "Rock Water", was another ancient Maya city that encompassed nearly 700 years of occupation. Lovely in situation, it's population at it's height was close to 20,000 citizens. It was another leading trade center. Mayadigger

New World, Maya, Altun Ha, Belize, Masks481 viewsAnother example of the "Pre-Classic Masks" that tell us that this city was established at least 200 AD.Mayadigger

New World, Maya, Chicanna, Campeche, Mexico480 viewsMayadigger - Chicanna is a smallish ruin found in Southern Campeche, Mexico. Seen in the photo is a wonderous depiction of everything that the ancient Maya were really about. The ancient Maya, as well as nearly all Meso-American civilizations, believed that caves/grottos were the doors to the underworld (read after-life). In fact, when archaeologists dug beneath the vast Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacan in Mexico they discovered that the enormous pyramid was centered on the top of a huge underground complex. The ancient Maya named their underworld "Xibalba" and their representaion of this phenomenon is now known as a Witz Monster. In this photo we see the Witz Monster, his mouth agape, lower jaw displayed with huge teeth, leading into a temple. To the untrained eye it may be hard to make out, but if you look close, you can see his eyes above the doorway, and his ear-flairs to either side of the portal. Very cool...Mayadigger

New World, Maya, Copan, Honduras676 viewsMayadigger - The most Southern City of the ancient Maya was Copan, "Zotz" in Maya. The name Zotz means "Bat." Cppan was the "Paris" of the Maya world. The archetecture and entablature was just superb. Seen in this photo, we see the stele of Yax Kuk Mo, "Blue Quetzal Macaw." As it turned out, Yax Kuk Mo came from Teotihuacan, in the Valley of Mexico. An imported Prince as it were...2 commentsMayadigger

New World, Maya, Lamanai, Belize427 viewsMayadigger - Lamanai, "Submerged Crocodile" in Maya, is a truly pristine and very remote ancient Maya city. In this case we, took a small boat up a long, turgid river. It can be reached by "road", read 50 mile muddy track. I know, we did it a few years later and never again. In ancient days, Lamanai owed its wealth to being a trade center centrally located between the vast Maya cities of Tikal, Altun Ha, Caracol, and Copan. Killer ruins...but do not forget your bug spray!Mayadigger

New World, Maya, Lamanai, Belize564 viewsMayadigger - Here I am "discovering" an ancient Maya pyramid in the ruins at Lamanai. As seen, it's being recovered from the rain forest by archeologists. This particular structure ia about 80 feet tall. What makes Lamanai unique is that it was the longest inhabited city in the New World...from approx. 300BC to 1100 AD.1 commentsMayadigger

New World, Maya, Lamanai, Belize441 viewsMayadigger - This is a detail seen on the previous structure. What you're looking at is known to Meso-American archaeologists as a "Pre-Classic Mask" and are only found on Maya structures from the Pre-Classic time, i.e. 200-400 A.D. This fellow is a "Kinich Ahau" or a "Shining-faced" Lord. Kinich Ahau was the Maya Sun God, but this was also the title of the Maya rulers. As all Maya structures were built onion-style, that is, one layer atop another, it is easy for us to date them when we come across masks such as seen here.Mayadigger

New World, Maya, Lubaantun, Belize, Sign ruins456 viewsThe small site of Lubaantun is found in the remote rain forests of Southern Belize. One of the most interesting bits about this ruin is that the Maya did not use mortar between the building stones. Very rare...never saw it before or since.Mayadigger

New World, Maya, Tikal, Guatemala449 viewsMayadigger - Tikal was the home to 45,000 + citizens from 200-800 AD. This truly maginificent site is located deep in the Peten rainforest. The pyramid seen here is approx. 140 feet tall, whose temple is topped with a "cox-comb" roof decoration. In the right foreground is seen the Great Plaza with a number of stone stelae commemorating the city's kings. In the right background is the acropolis, where the elites not only lived, but were also buried with great pomp.Mayadigger

New World, Maya, Tikal, Guatemala, Cox Combs above the rain forest620 viewsMayadigger - The cox-comb roofs of a number of towering pyramids show just above the gigantic mahagony and giant fig trees of the Peten forest. These threes are full of parrots, toucans, and howler and spider monkeys. As far as I was concerned, my only thoughts were as how I was to get back down without breaking my neck!3 commentsMayadigger

New World, Maya, Xpuhil, Campeche, Mexico405 viewsLocated about thirty miles south of Chicanna, the ancient Maya city named Xpuhil, pronounced "SH-PUH-HEEL" found themselves between the hammer of wanning Tikal to the South and the anvil of the rising Chichen Itza to the North. Without the resources of Tikal, but trying to emmulate that great city's pyramids/temples, poor Xpuhil could only manage a sorry and rather pathetic attempt of Tikal's grand structures. Seen here, we see that their Temple structure tries to copy those seen at Tikal...rather sad, isn't it...?Mayadigger

New World, Peru362 viewsThe ancient walls of the huge 15th Cent. Inca fortress known as Sacsayhuaman, elevation 12,000 feet above sea level. The fortress was incomplete at the time of the Spanish conquest. Most of the smaller wrought stones were removed by the Spanish invaders to build homes and cathedrals in the ancient Inca Capital of Cuzco in the valley 1,000 feet below. The existant stones seen in the photo, weighing many 1,000's of tons, were too large for the invaders to easily to remove, and they remain in situe.Mayadigger

New World, Peru 1566 viewsThat's me, standing close to the stones, just to give the size...2 commentsMayadigger

New World, Peru 4292 viewsThe Urubamba River on the way to somewhere very special... The Urubamba Valley was the Bread-basket of the Inca Empire where an amazing variety of fruits and vegetables were produced including pineapples, no less!Mayadigger

New World, Peru 5303 viewsI have been truly blessed to have had the opportunity to explore many remakable places around the world...but so far, this one takes the cake. Mayadigger

New World, Peru 6321 viewsGetting artsy in B/W photos, we treked up a long trail through dense rainforest to get this first glimpse of the ancient ruin...Mayadigger

New World, Peru 7340 viewsMachu Picchu, at last! Words cannot describe the near-unworldly vistas seen here. The viewer is overcome with the stillness, and the grand edifices that seem to mock you from the distant past. The clouds and mists gather and then retreat, hiding and then revealing, awesome views of the surrounding forested peaks. Mayadigger

Portugal, Algarve, Site of Milreu142 viewsremains of the floor of a roman villa (with heating) underneath a 16th cent. farmer housepax

Portugal, Algarve, Site of Milreu138 viewsspace for the warm air that heated the floorpax

Scotland, Antonine Wall, Distance Slab8 viewsThese inscribed stones, known as distance slabs, are unique in the Roman Empire. They celebrate the work of the legions which constructed the Antonine Wall in Scotland. Evidence suggests that the slabs, all made of local sandstone, were set into stone frames along the length of the Wall and are likely to have faced South into the Empire.
Nineteen of these slabs are known of so far, the elaborate carving on many of them celebrating the culmination of a successful campaign by the triumphant Roman army.

This slab was found at Old Kirkpatrick, West Dunbartonshire and is now in the Hunterian Museum in Glasgow.*Alex

Scotland, Antonine Wall, Distance Slab7 viewsThese inscribed stones, known as distance slabs, are unique in the Roman Empire. They celebrate the work of the legions which constructed the Antonine Wall in Scotland. Evidence suggests that the slabs, all made of local sandstone, were set into stone frames along the length of the Wall and are likely to have faced South into the Empire.
Nineteen of these slabs are known of so far, the elaborate carving on many of them celebrating the culmination of a successful campaign by the triumphant Roman army.

This slab was found at Hutcheson Hill, near Cleddans, West Dunbartonshire and it is now in the Hunterian Museum in Glasgow.*Alex

Scotland, Antonine Wall, Distance Slab6 viewsThese inscribed stones, known as distance slabs, are unique in the Roman Empire. They celebrate the work of the legions which constructed the Antonine Wall in Scotland. Evidence suggests that the slabs, all made of local sandstone, were set into stone frames along the length of the Wall and are likely to have faced South into the Empire.
Nineteen of these slabs are known of so far, the elaborate carving on many of them celebrating the culmination of a successful campaign by the triumphant Roman army.

This slab was found at Bridgeness, Bo'ness in 1868, it is now in the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.*Alex

Scotland, Falkirk, Section of the Antonine Wall13 viewsThe Antonine Wall was built by the Romans across what is now the Central Belt of Scotland, between the Firth of Forth and the Firth of Clyde. Representing the northernmost frontier barrier of the Roman Empire, it spanned approximately 63 kilometres (39 miles) and was about 3 metres (10 feet) high and 5 metres (16 feet) wide.
Construction began in AD 142 at the order of the Emperor Antoninus Pius, and took about 12 years to complete.
Most of the wall and its associated fortifications have been destroyed over time, but some remains are still visible. Many of these have come under the care of Historic Scotland and the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. 1 comments*Alex

Scotland, Roughcastle Roman Fort, Lilia23 viewsThese deep pits, which would have had something like a sharpened stake in the centre of them, were known as lilia because they apparently reminded the Romans of lilies. They are shown on Trajan's column in Rome and were also described by Julius Caesar in his Gallic Wars.
Lilia, which have been found at eight different locations along the 39 miles of the Antonine Wall, are part of its defensive system. The defensive line would have consisted of the ditch, the wall and these lilia, which you might call the ancient Roman equivalent of a minefield.
The lilia pictured above are at the Roman fort of Roughcastle a few miles west of Falkirk. 1 comments*Alex

Slovakia, Gerulata 154 viewsRoman military camp located near today's Rusovce, a borough of Bratislava, Slovakia. It was part of the Roman province Pannonia and built in the 2nd century as a part of the Limes Romanus system. It was abandoned in the 4th century, when Roman legions withdrew from Pannonia.

Today there is a museum, which is part of the Bratislava City Museum.

The most preserved object is a quadrilateral building 30 metres long and 30 metres wide, with 2.4 metre thick walls.Bohemian

South Korea, Woraksan 138 viewsThis giant turtle lays near the Buddha of the future of my other picture, it is approximately 5 m long and 1000 year old.Franz-Josef M

South Korea, Woraksan - Buddha135 viewsIn the Woraksan mountains I visit this big Buddha carved in the rock, I estimate the high 20 m, but I' m not sure.Franz-Josef M

South Korea, Woraksan - Buddha111 viewsBuddha of the future, he is already more than 1000 years old, but still has a good appearance. The location of this Buddha is a valley in the middle of the Woraksan mountains. Its a great holy place.Franz-Josef M

The Naveta des Tudons is the most famous megalithic chamber tomb in Minorca. It was used between 1200 y 750 BC. It is a collective tomb which contained, when it was discovered in 1975 at least 100 men and different objects like bronze bracelets or bone and ceramic buttons.

The legend says that two brothers were competing for the love of a girl. To decide who would be the chosen one, they started a construction, and the first one to finish it would marry the girl. One of them decided to build the naveta and the other one a well. The time run and when the last stone was going to be placed on the naveta, the other brother shouted: "Water, water!!". Then, the brother who was building the naveta, very angry, threw the last stone (the one that is missing on the top) into the well, killing his brother. Then, feeling remorse for what he had done, he killed himself. It is said that the girl died alone and was buried in the naveta.Viriathus

Spain, Santiponce, Italica.30 viewsCrocodile and the playful youngster... Detail of the floor of the house of Neptunus. May, 2002.jmuona

Spain, Santiponce, Italica.28 viewsDetail of the floor of the house of Planetarium. May, 2002.jmuona

Spain, Santiponce, Italica.29 viewsSection of the floor of the house of Birds. May, 2002.jmuona

Spain, Santiponce, Italica.28 viewsFloor map of the house of Birds. May, 2002.jmuona

Spain, Santiponce, Italica.35 viewsDetail of the floor of house of Birds. Cannot figure out the species... May, 2002.jmuona

Spain, Santiponce, Italica.32 viewsDetail of the floor of the house of Birds. Athene noctua - the typical Minerva owl. May, 2002.jmuona

Spain, Santiponce, Italica.32 viewsBust of Trajanus, copy at the ticket booth in Italica, original in Archelogical Museum, Sevilla.
Trajanus was born in this city. May, 2002.jmuona

Spain, Santiponce, Italica.52 viewsFragments of old painted wall. very little is left of this type of structures.
The largest floor mosaics are in the Archelogical Museum in Sevilla but many fine ones were at the orginal site in May, 2002.jmuona